Adult and Non-Formal Education and E-Waste Policies and Management: A Framework for Lifelong Learning, Public Awareness and Sustainable Electronic Waste Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly expanding environmental, economic and public-health challenge. Effective management requires more than legislation and physical recycling infrastructure; it also depends on the knowledge, attitudes, skills and participation of households, informal collectors, repairers, traders, community leaders, educators and producers. This paper examines the relationship between adult and non-formal education and e-waste policy and management, with particular attention to Nigeria. The paper adopts a qualitative documentary review approach, drawing on international reports, Nigerian environmental regulations, policy documents and relevant scholarly literature. The review indicates that adult and non-formal education can strengthen e-waste governance by translating technical regulations into locally understandable practices; developing occupational safety competencies among informal-sector actors; promoting repair, reuse, segregation, collection and responsible disposal; improving community participation; and creating pathways for green livelihoods. Nigeria has established an important regulatory foundation, including the National Environmental (Electrical/Electronic Sector) Regulations, 2022 and an extended producer responsibility approach, but persistent challenges include limited formal collection, inadequate recycling infrastructure, weak traceability, informal processing and gaps in awareness and enforcement. The paper proposes an integrated Adult and Non-Formal E-Waste Education Framework built around policy literacy, environmental literacy, occupational health and safety, technical skills, entrepreneurship, community mobilization, digital learning and monitoring. It concludes that adult and non-formal education should be treated as a core implementation instrument within e-waste policy rather than as an auxiliary awareness activity. Such an approach can support circular-economy transitions while improving livelihoods and reducing environmental and health risks.